I’d be interested in hearing what you think about Edward Snowden, the employee of a government contracting company who spilled the beans about the government’s nosing into your business.

According to what Snowden divulged before he high-tailed it out of the U.S. to avoid being arrested or simply removed from the face of the earth by the government, phone records, emails and who-knows-what-else, are being copied regularly and filed away on computer discs by the government.

From what I’ve read, the government claims no humans will read those records; instead, computers will listen to the phone conversations and read the emails, searching for key words and phrases like “Obama’s a stinker” or “I wish we had a different president.” When those phrases are found, the person who said or typed those words will be in for a heckuva bad time with the government.

I’ve heard varying opinions about this situation.

Some people think Snowden is immoral and a traitor who should be hung for treason because he divulged government secrets.

Others are aghast that the government in a free republic has so much power.

Some people hold both opinions simultaneously; they believe Snowden was immoral for telling the secrets and the government is immoral for keeping track of us.

Some people see nary a problem with the government spying on citizens; it is necessary to give up rights and freedom in these modern days of terrorism, they say, and they are ready to give up more rights and freedoms to make sure their children remain safe and secure.

Here’s a perfectly logical opinion based on the facts of the case: “In 2013 with terrorism a constant threat, our government needs to do whatever it takes to make sure we are safe. If giving up some rights will make me and my kids safer, I’m all for it. I don’t care if they read my text messages, listen to my phone calls and check my email. There’s nothing interesting there, anyway.

“What’s more important, in my opinion, is my security and the national security. I’m all for more cameras on street corners and drones carrying cameras to check on people’s backyards to see what they’re building. I’m for technology that can “see “ through walls to see what people are doing in their houses, because they might be building bombs.

“It’s a different world, and we have to make adjustments to it. For the sake of my children, I’m ready and willing. Edward Snowden did something that hurts my government’s attempt to keep my children safe, and I think he should be arrested and tried for it.”

Page 2 of 2 - Is that your opinion? It’s a perfectly valid opinion. I don’t share it, but I can’t knock you if that’s what you think because it is consistent and coherent.